Tips & Tricks for Stain & Odor Removal
Life happens; spills, splashes, and surprises are all part of it. Here are some of our favorite at-home tricks for tackling common stains and odors.
Please note: These tips are suggestions only and should be tried at your own risk, as every carpet, fabric, and situation is different. If these methods don’t do the trick, don’t worry, Book Now or give us a call and we’ll get you on our schedule to make it right.
Coffee
Blot the spill immediately, don’t rub! Mix one tablespoon of liquid dish soap with two cups of warm water and a tablespoon of white vinegar. Apply with a clean cloth, blot gently, and finish by rinsing with cool water. If the stain remains, give us a call, we’ve got professional tools that go deeper.
Chocolate Syrup
Start by scraping off any excess with a spoon or dull knife gently, so you don’t spread it. Mix one tablespoon of dish soap with two cups of cold water and blot the stain with a clean cloth. Rinse with cool water and blot again until it’s gone. If there’s still a dark shadow, our hot water extraction can lift it completely.
Gum
Sprinkle baking soda over the affected area and let it sit overnight, then vacuum thoroughly. For stronger odors, mix a few drops of essential oil (like lavender) with the baking soda before applying. If the odor returns, it’s likely deeper in the carpet fibers and that’s when professional treatment helps most.
Ice Cream
Scoop up as much as possible with a spoon, then blot any remaining residue. Mix a teaspoon of mild detergent with a cup of warm water, apply with a clean cloth, and blot until the stain fades. Follow with a water rinse to remove any soap film or sugar as leftover sugars can attract dirt later!
Jelly
Scoop up the jelly, then blot the remaining sticky area with cool water and mild dish soap. Avoid hot water as it can set the stain. Rinse and blot dry. For dark-colored fruit stains like grape or berry, follow up with a dab of white vinegar to lift the color.
Juice
Blot right away! The quicker, the better! Mix one tablespoon of dish soap and one tablespoon of white vinegar with two cups of warm water. Blot the area gently, rinse with cool water, and repeat as needed. Some brightly colored juices (like grape or fruit punch) may leave behind dye, if so, we can professionally neutralize the stain.
Ketchup
Scoop up any extra ketchup gently. Blot the spot with a mix of dish soap and cool water, then rinse and blot dry. If the red stain lingers, a dab of white vinegar or hydrogen peroxide (spot tested first) can help lighten it. Our professional equipment can handle those deep down red dyes that household methods can’t.
Permanant Marker
Blot carefully with a cloth dampened in rubbing alcohol (test an inconspicuous area first). Dab, don’t scrub, to lift as much ink as possible. Repeat with a clean section of the cloth each time. If the marker has set, professional spot treatment can help break down the pigment safely.
Puppy Accidents
An enzyme-based cleaner should be used on pet messes. If there are none available when an accident happens, follow these steps. First, blot up as much as possible with paper towels. Then mix equal parts white vinegar and water, apply to the area, and blot again. Follow with a sprinkle of baking soda once it’s dry to help neutralize odor. If odor remains, use and enzyme base cleaner and follow directions according to the solution purchased. If these steps fail, we can deep clean and treat the padding to fully remove it.
Mom’s Spaghetti
Scrape away any excess sauce, then blot gently with a paper towel. Mix one tablespoon of dish soap with two cups of cool water and work from the outside of the stain inward. Rinse with clean water and blot dry. If the orange tint remains, try dabbing with white vinegar, or call us for a deeper clean that targets tomato-based stains.
Tea
Blot quickly with a clean, dry cloth. Combine one tablespoon of dish soap and one tablespoon of white vinegar with two cups of warm water. Apply with a sponge, blot gently, and rinse with cool water. For darker teas, a professional steam extraction may be needed to completely remove the discoloration.
Wine
Blot (don’t scrub!) as soon as possible. Sprinkle salt over the wet area to absorb the wine. After a few minutes, vacuum or gently lift the salt, then apply a mixture of dish soap and hydrogen peroxide. Always spot-test first! When in doubt, we’re one call away.
Turmeric Base like Curry
These bright yellow stains can be tricky! Start by gently scraping off any excess. Mix one tablespoon of dish soap with two cups of cool water and blot, never rub. If the yellow tint remains, apply a mix of white vinegar and water, blot again, and rinse thoroughly. Sunlight can help fade turmeric naturally, but if it’s set deep, we can professionally lift the color without harming your carpet fibers.
Cat Urine
An enzyme-based cleaner should be used on pet messes. If one is not available at the time of the accident, blot as much liquid as possible right away. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water, apply to the area, and blot again. Once dry, sprinkle baking soda over the spot, then spray lightly with a mix of hydrogen peroxide and a drop of dish soap. Let it fizz for a few minutes before blotting clean. If odor remains, use an enzyme base cleaner and follow directions according to the solution purchased. For lingering odor or repeated accidents, we can treat both carpet and padding to remove the smell completely.
Dog Fur
Pet fur can be stubborn, especially if it’s worked into carpet fibers or upholstery. The most efficient way to remove it is to start with a vacuum that has a motorized brush or pet hair attachment. This lifts the hair instead of just moving it around.
For quick touch-ups, lightly mist the area with water or a fabric softener spray (1 part softener to 3 parts water) before vacuuming, this reduces static and helps loosen fur. Rub with a rubber glove or squeegee. The static from rubber pulls fur up from the fabric. Or use a lint roller or pet hair sponge for smaller areas or furniture.
✅ Remember: Try these tips at your own risk — and if they don’t do the trick, Book Now or call or text Jodi at (918) 564-8016, and we’ll get you on our schedule to take care of it professionally.